What is homophobic bullying?

Homophobic bullying is when people act in a way that makes someone feel bullied because of their actual or perceived sexuality. People may be a target of this type of bullying because of many different reasons, such as their appearance, behaviour, other physical traits or because they are seen as being different. All schools and colleges find this type of bullying – like all other forms of bullying – unacceptable.

Unfortunately homophobic bullying is quite common and like other forms of bullying, homophobic bullying can include name calling, spreading rumours, physical or sexual, and emotional abuse. According to statistics, the bullying is most likely to take a verbal form. If you’re being bullied in this way you need to tell your parents and report it to a teacher/appropriate adult. They will be able to provide you with support and help to put the bullying to an end.

(This information has been adapted from www.bullying.co.uk which is a good place to visit for more information about homophobic bullying).